A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Chang vs. Koyasan for Couples, Families, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Koh Chang or Koyasan?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Chang or Koyasan, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Koh Chang

Koh Chang is a tranquil, scenic, and idyllic island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and nightlife.

Koyasan

Koyasan is a traditional, peaceful, and serene town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums.

Koh Chang and Koyasan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Chang or Koyasan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Chang. Although Koh Chang and Koyasan are popular destinations, Koh Chang has more sights and attractions for tourists. Koh Chang is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Koyasan attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm. Koyasan is more touristy than Koh Chang and is popular for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. Koh Chang is famous for its natural setting, rugged jungles, and peaceful beaches. It is also well known for White Sand Beach.

How is Koh Chang different from Koyasan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Koyasan and Koh Chang. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Chang or Koyasan?

Koyasan is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Koyasan can be an interesting and educational experience. This spiritual destination is filled with temples. Some of the most notable are Okunoin Temple, Torodo Hall, Kongobuji Temple, Danjo Garan, and Daimon (the Great Gate).

Koh Chang offers a few options for museum-goers. This is a beach paradise, but you won't find any temples or museums around the island.

Is the Food Better in Koh Chang or Koyasan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Koh Chang and Koyasan offer nice local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Koh Chang. There's a good selection of restaurants that serve everything from international dishes to Thai favorites. You'll also find restaurants attached to many of the resorts, many with nice views.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Koyasan. There are cafes in town that serve simple udon noodle dishes and other local options. If you do a temple stay, it will likely include a meal, which is usually vegetarian and prepared by Buddhist monks. A typical menu includes miso soup, soba, pickled vegetables, tofu, tempura vegetables, rice, tea, and melon. Breakfast is similar but smaller in size.

Is Koh Chang or Koyasan Better for Nightlife?

Koh Chang is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Koyasan is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Koh Chang has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's Thailand, so there is plenty of partying, but there are quiet parts to the island as well. For the biggest party scenes head to Lonely Beach, White Sand Beach, and Kai Bae Beach. Lonely Beach is where you'll find the highest concentration of backpackers.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Koyasan This spiritual town is not a place for nightlife, but it is fascinating to take a night tour of the area.

Is Koh Chang or Koyasan Better for Resorts?

Koh Chang is a great destination for its resorts. However, Koyasan is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Koh Chang to choose from. The island has managed to maintain a natural atmosphere without the overdevelopment found at many Thai islands, yet it still has the amenities and comforts that you need like nice resorts.

Koyasan is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Chang or Koyasan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Chang is a island with a few options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Koyasan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Koh Chang has a few snorkeling spots. You can book a snorkeling or dive trip to the nearby islands for the best experience. The beaches on Koh Chang are sandy with very few rocks and coral, so walk in snorkeling is limited.

Koyasan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Chang or Koyasan Better for Beaches?

Koh Chang is a world-class destination for the beache. However, Koyasan is not a beach destination.

Koh Chang offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. You'll find the vast majority of the beaches on the west side of the island. The most developed beach is White Sand Beach, and most of the backpackers hang out at Lonely Beach. For a quiet and more upscale atmosphere check out Klong Prao Beach. Also make sure you keep an eye on high and low tides, because the difference is pretty extreme. You'll find large, sandy beaches at low tide, which disappear at high tide.

Koyasan is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Chang or Koyasan Better for its Old Town?

Koyasan is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Koh Chang does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Koyasan to see the historical old town. The town center is filled with spiritual temples and many people prefer to do a temple stay for a night.

Koh Chang does not have a historic old town.

Is Koh Chang or Koyasan Better for Hiking?

Koyasan is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its hiking experiences.

Koyasan has hiking trails worth exploring. Most people arrive by cable car, but this area has been a long running pilgrim destination and you'll find many historic pilgrimage trails that are still in the area. The Koyasan Choishi Michi trail is one of the most well known.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Koh Chang. Very few people actually head inland to go hiking, but if you do it can be a rewarding experience. It's a challenge to hike on the island though, as there are no marked trails. You'll need to hire a guide for any trekking that you wish to do.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Chang or Koyasan?

Koh Chang is a island with a few options for its shopping opportunities. However, Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

If you're looking to go shopping, Koh Chang has some nice offerings. While this isn't the place to do any serious shopping, there are a few places where you can pick up essentials and souvenirs from your trip.

Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Koh Chang or Koyasan Better for Families?

Koh Chang is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Koh Chang is a very kid-friendly island. The laid back vibe is perfect for families who want to get away from the party scene and overdevelopment that's found at many Thai islands. The island has kid-friendly beaches, great hiking, and resorts with pools and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Koyasan offers lots of family activities. It's filled with history, so its best to recognize your kid's limits when it comes to that sort of thing. If you're planning to do a temple stay, then consider how your child might handle the situation and make sure you reach out to let them know you have a child before reserving.

Is Koh Chang or Koyasan Better for Couples?

Koh Chang is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Koh Chang is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This beautiful island is a perfect destination for a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are beautiful resorts that have the charm and character that is lost at many of the more developed parts of Thailand. There are also beaches that cater to every travel style, including upscale and idyllic gems.

Koyasan is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. A temple stay in Koyasan is a truly unique experience that immerses you in the culture and lifestyle of the area. It's a truly one-of-a-kind experience for couples who like to do things outside of the box.

Is Koh Chang or Koyasan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Chang is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Koh Chang is a great island to visit for backpackers. Most of the backpackers hang out around Lonely Beach, which also has a bit of a party vibe.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Koyasan. It's not your typical backpacker destination and most visitors prefer to experience a temple stay while in the area. If that's not your style, there is a hostel nearby.

Is Koh Chang or Koyasan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Koh Chang and Koyasan.

Koh Chang has some public transit options. There's a main road that goes around the outside of the island, with the exception of the southern tip. You can rent a motorbike or catch a ride on a Songthaew (pick-up truck taxi). Do note that the roads can be very steep and windy, which can be difficult to drive independently.

You'll find some public transit in Koyasan, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. To get to town you'll take a cable car and then a bus (or taxi, but you can't walk). Once you're in town, almost everything is in the town center and doesn't require transit.

Is Koh Chang or Koyasan a more walkable city?

Koyasan is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

Koyasan is very walkable. Once you reach the town its relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

Koh Chang is generally not very walkable. Your ability to walk around really depends on where you stay. Many of the resorts are located in quieter areas without easy access to restaurants or shopping.

For even more information, also check out Is Koh Chang Worth Visiting? and Is Koyasan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koyasan or Koh Chang?

How long in Koh Chang or Koyasan?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Koh Chang or Koyasan to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Koh Chang than Koyasan because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Koh Chang, and 1-2 days is enough time in Koyasan.

Families should spend more time in Koh Chang than Koyasan. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Koh Chang, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Koh Chang than Koyasan. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Koh Chang that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Chang than Koyasan if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Koh Chang.

One day in Koh Chang or Koyasan?

In Koh Chang, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Even though Koyasan is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koyasan has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Koh Chang or Koyasan?

In Koh Chang, you'll find food and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Koyasan is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Chang or Koyasan?

Koh Chang is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Chang has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Koyasan is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Chang or Koyasan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Chang. Many people enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting Koh Chang. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Koyasan is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Thailand, The Best Eco Tours in Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Chang and Koyasan, we can see that Koyasan is more expensive. And not only is Koh Chang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Chang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Chang and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Koyasan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koyasan than you might in Koh Chang.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Koh Chang Expensive? and Is Koyasan Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Koh Chang or Koyasan?

Koyasan has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Chang experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Koyasan in the Summer?

Both Koyasan and Koh Chang during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Chang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Koyasan in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Koh Chang is around the same temperature as Koyasan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Chang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Koyasan averages at about 27°C (81°F).

In the summer, Koh Chang often gets less sunshine than Koyasan. Koh Chang gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 183 hours of full sun.

Koyasan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Chang. Koh Chang usually gets more rain in July than Koyasan. Koh Chang gets 440 mm (17.3 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Koyasan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Chang and Koyasan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Chang year-round. Also, most visitors come to Koyasan for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Koh Chang is generally a little warmer than Koyasan. Daily temperatures in Koh Chang average around 27°C (81°F), and Koyasan fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

Koh Chang usually receives more sunshine than Koyasan during autumn. Koh Chang gets 193 hours of sunny skies, while Koyasan receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Koyasan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Chang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Chang usually receives more rain than Koyasan. Koh Chang gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to February in Koh Chang is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Koh Chang.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Koyasan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Koh Chang as well as Koyasan. Koh Chang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Koyasan because of the museums and the cuisine.

Koh Chang is much warmer than Koyasan in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Chang averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Koyasan fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Chang this time of the year. In the winter, Koh Chang often gets more sunshine than Koyasan. Koh Chang gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 140 hours of full sun.

Koh Chang usually gets less rain in January than Koyasan. Koh Chang gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to February in Koh Chang is the dry season.

Should I visit Koh Chang or Koyasan in the Spring?

Both Koyasan and Koh Chang are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Chang throughout the year. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Koyasan this time of year.

In the spring, Koh Chang is much warmer than Koyasan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Chang in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Koyasan averages at about 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Chang. Koh Chang usually receives more sunshine than Koyasan during spring. Koh Chang gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Koyasan receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koyasan. It's quite rainy in Koh Chang. In April, Koh Chang usually receives less rain than Koyasan. Koh Chang gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Koh Chang is June to October.

Typical Weather for Koyasan and Koh Chang